Construction on a new First Merchants Bank is now underway. The location at 10210 N. Michigan Rd. will be the bank’s 96th location and is set to open in late spring.

Mike Stewart, chief banking officer for First Merchants, said growth of the customer base was a factor in the decision to build a new branch and represents the bank’s commitment to Carmel.

“New business customers, as well as new mortgage and retail customers, drove the need to build our new facility,” Stewart said. “I thank the customers who have chosen to bank with us and I look forward to welcoming new First Merchants customers.”

The center will be a stand-alone facility.

First Merchants is primarily located in Indiana, with locations near Chicago and in Columbus, Ohio.

The Michigan Road branch will be the bank’s fifth location in Hamilton County. Other locations include Carmel, Westfield, Noblesville and Fishers, with a lending/administrative office on North Meridian Street.

First Merchants will open another new banking center in Shelbyville in early March.